Podcast Summary: The Indicator from Planet Money — "What a Difference a One-Day Strike Makes"

Release Date: December 4, 2024
Host: Stephen Bissaha and Waylon Wong
Produced by NPR

Introduction

In the December 4th episode of The Indicator from Planet Money, hosts Stephen Bissaha and Waylon Wong delve into the evolving landscape of labor strikes in the United States, focusing specifically on the increasing prevalence of one-day strikes. The episode examines what these short-term strikes indicate about union power today and explores the strategic purposes they serve for different types of workers.

The Rise of One-Day Strikes

The conversation kicks off with an engaging dialogue between Stephen and Waylon about the feasibility of enduring strikes of varying lengths. This lighthearted banter sets the stage for a deeper exploration into the trend of short-term strikes.

Waylon Wong humorously reflects on the difficulty of sustaining prolonged strikes, stating at [00:33] that "no way I could last on strike for almost two years," highlighting the impracticality of extended strike actions for many workers.

Stephen Bissaha introduces the central theme at [01:11]: "What do short strikes say about union power in the US? And what can you accomplish with only 24 hours on the picket line?"

Case Study: University Medical Center New Orleans Nurses

The episode spotlights the nurses at the University Medical Center New Orleans, who initiated a one-day strike in October to emphasize their demands for better working conditions.

Waylon Wong explains at [03:07] that the nurses, having unionized a year prior, aimed to negotiate for "a safer workplace, get a pay bump and push the hospital to hire more nurses." The nurses are grappling with being "overworked and overwhelmed."

Dana Judkins, a nurse at the trauma orthopedic clinic, underscores the urgency of their demands by stating at [02:56], "There are few unions, that our demands are really demands for the health care and safety of our patients."

The strike, lasting only 24 hours, demonstrated the nurses' commitment without the prolonged disruption typical of longer strikes. Dana Judkins further emphasizes their resolve at [03:43]: "We feel that this is the right way to go. And I'm here for the long haul."

Historical Context and Union Power

John Logan, head of the Labor and Employment Studies department at San Francisco State University, provides a historical perspective on union dynamics in the U.S. at [04:13]. He notes, "It's really taken off in the past 10, 15 years." Logan recounts how unions were stronger in the past but faced significant challenges during the 70s and 80s due to economic shifts, globalization, and deregulation.

At [05:07], Logan explains, "Unions used to fight back against concessions with strikes, but companies started getting rid of those striking workers." He highlights the vulnerability of workers who strike by stating, "You cannot be fired for participating in a lawful economic strike, but you can be replaced permanently."

This historical weakening of unions set the stage for the modern adaptation of strike tactics, including the adoption of one-day strikes as a strategic response.

Types of One-Day Strikes: Low-Wage Workers vs. Workers with Leverage

The episode distinguishes between two primary categories of workers who employ one-day strikes, each driven by different motivations and circumstances.

1. Low-Wage Workers
   At [06:18], Stephen identifies low-wage workers as one group using one-day strikes due to financial constraints. Waylon Wong elaborates that for employees at places like Starbucks, McDonald's, and Walmart, longer strikes are "just not going to be able to afford to go out on an open-ended long strike."

   John Logan adds, "If the company was absolutely resistant, they could go out on one day strikes until the cows come home." However, he expresses skepticism about the efficacy of such strikes in altering company behavior.

2. Workers with Leverage
   The second group comprises workers who possess significant leverage, making even a single-day strike impactful. Waylon Wong points to airport workers and the aforementioned nurses as examples who can "inflict [huge] economic pain or a huge amount of disruption" with minimal strike time.

   John Logan concurs, noting that these workers can achieve substantial results without the need for prolonged action.

Tactics and Effectiveness

One-day strikes offer several strategic advantages:

• Economic Feasibility
  For low-wage workers, short strikes minimize financial loss. Waylon Wong mentions that participating in a one-day strike requires sacrificing "a lot less" pay compared to extended strikes at [07:03].

• Public Opinion Management
  Short strikes help maintain or garner public support. John Logan explains at [07:10], "It's also a way to win a battle in the war for public opinion." By keeping strikes brief, workers can avoid the negative perceptions that may accompany prolonged industrial action.

• Media Attention
  Condensed strike actions can generate significant media coverage without the ongoing disruption of long-term strikes. The episode references the nurses' strategic timing of their strike alongside a Taylor Swift concert to maximize visibility, as described by Waylon Wong at [08:14].

However, the effectiveness of one-day strikes is debated. John Logan cautions that while they are easier to manage operationally, they may not compel employers to change policies unless the strikes are backed by substantial leverage, as seen in the nurses' case.

Engagement and Media Strategy

Short strikes not only serve immediate bargaining purposes but also keep union members engaged and active in their advocacy efforts. Waylon Wong highlights the nurses' tactical alignment of their strike with a major public event to amplify their message, as shared by Angel Carreras at [09:06]: "We've had a good turnout the entire time we've been here... hoping that some swifties see us and maybe post it to their story and make it a more nationwide news."

This approach ensures continuous engagement without the burnout associated with prolonged strikes, maintaining momentum for ongoing negotiations.

Conclusion

The episode concludes by emphasizing that while one-day strikes may not wield the same immediate power as their longer counterparts, they represent a strategic adaptation to the current economic and social climate. By balancing financial constraints with the need for impactful action, unions are navigating a complex landscape to advocate for workers' rights effectively.

Waylon Wong wraps up at [09:40], reiterating the significance of media tension generated by short strikes without incurring the sustained hardship of longer labor actions.

Key Quotes

• Waylon Wong [00:33]: "No way I could last on strike for almost two years."
• Stephen Bissaha [01:11]: "What do short strikes say about union power in the US? And what can you accomplish with only 24 hours on the picket line?"
• Dana Judkins [02:56]: "There are few unions, that our demands are really demands for the health care and safety of our patients."
• John Logan [05:07]: "Unions used to fight back against concessions with strikes, but companies started getting rid of those striking workers."
• John Logan [07:10]: "It's also a way to win a battle in the war for public opinion."
• Angel Carreras [09:06]: "We've had a good turnout the entire time we've been here... hoping that some swifties see us and maybe post it to their story and make it a more nationwide news."

This comprehensive examination of one-day strikes offers valuable insights into modern labor strategies, the shifting power dynamics between unions and employers, and the nuanced approaches workers are adopting to advocate for their rights effectively.